Onur Ucuncu, Esade MBA Class of 2027
Age: 33
Hometown: Utrecht, The Netherlands
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Utrecht University, BSc Science & Innovation Management. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MSc Science, Business & Innovation.
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Co-Founder & Managing Director at KLCK. Creative Production Company active in the Creative Industry. 8 years full-time, 12 years since start.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I started my first company back in 2013 and since 2017 I’ve been running it full-time, after more than ten years of building and managing my own business, I felt the urge to broaden my horizon. My company has reached a stage where it can operate more independently, which finally gave me the space to think about the next step in my own development. For me, an MBA is the right way to add an international layer to what I already know, I want to strengthen my network, brush up on the theory behind business decisions, and learn directly from people who share the same energy for entrepreneurship. The timing works well now, both personally and professionally, to take a step that will help me grow as an entrepreneur and as a leader.
Why did you choose Esade? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Esade appealed to me because of its clear focus on entrepreneurship, the school was founded by entrepreneurs, and that mindset is still very present today. With resources like eWorks and the strong network of founders, Esade offers an ecosystem that can really help you start, grow, or scale a venture. What truly convinced me, though, were the people, from the very first conversation I felt a warm and genuine connection, not only from the admissions team but also from students and even program managers. Esade manages to be a big and international school while still feeling personal and approachable, and that combination was important to me. And then of course there is Barcelona, it is not only a great city to live in but also a European hub for tech and startups, the entrepreneurial vibe of the city really matches the culture I was looking for.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring the perspective of someone who has actually built and managed a business for more than a decade, I know the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and I’m happy to share both the successes and the lessons learned with my classmates. That practical side can add depth to group projects and discussions. On top of that, I have a multicultural background, I grew up in the Netherlands with Turkish roots, I have lived in Germany, and my wife is from Azerbaijan. Combined with my work experience across different countries, this helps me connect with people from many cultures and makes me comfortable in international teams. I’m naturally proactive and enjoy taking initiative, I want to use that energy to inspire and support others in the class while also learning from them.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have a real passion for watches, not just collecting them, but also cleaning, repairing, customizing, and organizing them. It’s my way of relaxing and forgetting everything else for a while, working with the details and the craft behind each piece is something that really clears my head.
Post-MBA career interests:
My goal is to expand my own business internationally and take it to the next level, I want to enter new markets, build partnerships, and apply what I learn at Esade to scale in a smarter way. In the longer term, I would also like to get involved in other ventures, whether as a co-founder, advisor, or investor. Eventually I see myself supporting startups through VC or other platforms, helping early-stage entrepreneurs face the challenges of growing a company, sharing my experience and opening doors for others is something I really care about.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely talk to alumni again, those conversations gave me the clearest picture of what an MBA really looks like day to day. I also went to an MBA fair in the Netherlands, which was very useful, it allowed me to meet admissions coordinators, but also to connect with other applicants and understand their motivations. My advice is to inform yourself as broadly as possible, and when you do the admissions interview, be honest, open, and tell your story in your own words.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I think I would start a bit earlier with the application process, that way I could have received my admissions decision sooner and had more time to organize my move to Barcelona.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could, and what helped you get through it?
The waiting time after submitting the application, that was stressful and felt like it took forever. What helped me was staying busy, focusing on work and spending time with friends and family to keep my mind off it.
What is your initial impression of the Esade students, culture, community?
So far it has been fantastic, everyone, from students to program managers to the careers team, has been open and supportive. The atmosphere feels very familiar, and it’s clear that Esade really wants you to succeed both personally and academically. The orientation weeks were well organized and gave us exactly what we needed to get started. What also struck me was how international the group is, you meet classmates from all over the world, and people are very open to building friendships and doing things together.
What student organizations have you joined, or are you hoping to join, and why?
I plan to be active in the Entrepreneurship Club, for me that was an obvious choice, because I want to continue building on the strong entrepreneurial spirit that Esade already has. It is a great way to connect with like-minded students and to create and develop new ideas together.
What is one thing you have learned about Esade that has surprised you?
I didn’t expect the level of personal support for your career path to be so strong, even as an entrepreneur you get access to a lot of tools, workshops, and mentoring. The way the school uses its network to help you move forward is very intentional and that really impressed me.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m looking forward to growing, both as an entrepreneur and as a person, I see this year as a chance to strengthen myself, learn more, and develop a sharper entrepreneurial mindset. At the same time, I am also excited about everything that comes outside the classroom, the cultural events, sports, travel, and simply sharing experiences with classmates from so many different backgrounds.
